ACHS launches summer Field Day Fridays for wellness and hands-on learning

American College of Healthcare Sciences is closing offices on Fridays this summer for Field Day Fridays, a campus-wide push to encourage outdoor, experiential learning and personal wellness. The initiative is meant to support student and staff growth while keeping academic and support services available through partner resources.

Why it matters: - ACHS is using a summer schedule change to push learning beyond screens and into real-world wellness practices. - The initiative reflects the school’s B Corporation focus on people and planet. - ACHS is trying to balance employee wellness with student access to support services.

What happened: - American College of Healthcare Sciences launched Field Day Fridays for the summer. - ACHS offices will be closed on Fridays throughout the summer. - The initiative is designed for students, faculty and staff. - ACHS wants the community to spend Fridays on hands-on, experiential learning and personal wellness activities.

The details: - Activities may include identifying herbs on local trails, practicing aromatherapy blending techniques, preparing nutritious meals, joining community wellness activities, spending time outdoors and doing personal wellness practices. - ACHS said the summer break from regular operations is intended to support personal and professional growth. - President Tracey Abell said the school sees education as most powerful when knowledge is connected with lived experience. - Abell said Field Day Fridays are meant to encourage the community to spend time in nature, care for well-being and deepen understanding of integrative health. - ACHS said support remains available even when offices are closed. - Available resources include TimelyCare for coaching, academic advising, career services and mental health and wellness support. - The ACHS Peer Support Center offers peer tutoring and academic support seven days a week. - Teaching assistants are available in select courses for course-specific guidance. - LearnWise Online Tutoring is available through the course navigation menu. - Canvas technical support is also available.

Between the lines: - The Friday closure signals a broader attempt to make wellness part of the institutional rhythm, not just a topic in class. - ACHS is also signaling that flexibility and student support remain central, even during a reduced summer schedule. - The initiative fits the school’s integrative health branding by turning that philosophy into a daily operating practice.

What's next: - ACHS is inviting its community to use the summer to reconnect with nature, wellness and experiential learning. - The Friday schedule and support structure will continue through the summer season. - Questions about the release or interview requests can go to Tracey Abell at president@achs.edu.